Schedule of Events

Six Workshops

The workshop will focus on the fundamentals of the creative process. Where do we get our ideas and what do we do with them once we get them? Special emphasis will be placed on finding the essential narrative in a work of creative writing–whether its fiction, poetry, or stage play.

About John Carroll

John Carroll is associate professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of the Fraser Valley. He has published two books of poetry–Rumour of a Shark and The Plastic Heart. His latest work, a collection of fiction and poetry–Madding Aphrodite–will be published this spring. He has also acted, directed, and written for the stage.

Morning Workshop: Memories: Moments of a Life Story by Margaret Evans

Think “memoir” and people often think of biographies. But memoirs are a slice of time from your life history, vividly colourful moments from your past that can take both passion and guts to write. The story you want to tell is revealing and personal: and maybe painful. This clinic will help you gather those memories into a cohesive story through journaling, look at memoir planning and structuring, writing the book, and marketing. Notes will be provided.

About Margaret Evans

Margaret Evans is an award-winning writer/journalist and author with over 40 years’ experience. She has written for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines and has published four books. She has also written and co-produced educational documentaries and currently produces multimedia presentations to support her talks and her public speaking. She offers clinics and courses in creative writing.

We are so influenced by culture around us that it is difficult to know our own voice. The discipline of poetry & song-writing is to come home to one’s true self and to listen to the ‘story’ within and to communicate that. This is a task that takes time apart, time to listen and to honor the soul journey if one is to be truly authentic and honest. This workshop would include an exercise/time where we could each embark on our own listening/writing and if time allows; form small groups where this can be shared with one another.

About Cathy AJ Hardy

Cathy AJ Hardy in Concert

Cathy AJ Hardy is an award winning singer/songwriter living in Mission, B.C. Love Shines, her first solo release, is filled with the stories, sounds, and songs of her life. She has just released her 2nd solo album, ‘I am she, a soul’s journey home’, filled with original songs of hope, healing & inspiration. Deeply connected to the land where she lives and rooted in a deep spirituality, Cathy sings from soul depths. Cathy continues to perform as well as teach music to people of all ages in her music studio in Mission. www.cathyajhardy.com

Lunch Time Performance by David Pullen

David has spent a lifetime working with farm animals, including 17 years of veterinary work. He loved every minute of his work and has many stories of amusing incidents about farm people and their animals. Over the years, many people encouraged him to write a book, so he has now done that. Poetry seemed to come naturally as part of his observation of rural life.

He will read his newest poem and two short amusing poems.

Afternoon Workshop: Wading into the Swamp-Getting Messy with Writing by Daniela Elza

In this workshop we will generate writing through prompts. There will be time to share and discuss the importance of this generative process, its messiness, and its discoveries. Bring pen and paper alongside your curiosity, your questions and your passion.

About Daniela Elza

Daniela Elza has lived on three continents and crossed numerous geographic, cultural and semantic borders. Her work has appeared nationally and internationally in over 80 publications. Daniela’s poetry collections are: “the weight of dew” (Mother Tongue Publishing, 2012), “the book of It” (2011) and most recently “milk tooth bane bone” (Leaf Press, 2013) of which David Abram says: “Out of the ache of the present moment, Daniela Elza has crafted something spare and irresistible, an open armature for wonder.” Daniela earned her doctorate in Philosophy of Education from Simon Fraser University and is at present the Writer-In-Residence at the University of the Fraser Valley. Visit her website: http://strangeplaces.livingcode.org/

“Real Life (w/ a little bit of Rhythm)” is a performance-based, but production-oriented, workshop specifically designed to include every attendant in both its’ entertainment and personal production aspects. Using efficient, simple, well proven methods – as well as personal momentum and natural ability – “Real Life” segues into a discussion session specifically designed to subconsciously spurn abstract thought and ideas. Following our discourse, we transition into three short writing exercises that will have the great majority of its’ participants leaving the room w/ not only a more intimate appreciation of Spoken Word, Slam Poetry, and the Art of Story-telling; but the beginnings of their own written piece of spontaneous creativity. “Real Life” closes w/ a performance exercise that allows its’ participants to utilize the lessons they just learned and understand the benefit of them.

About Zaccheus Jackson Nyce

Zaccheus Jackson Nyce was raised by wolves since birth and came of age on the streets of Western Canada. Having battled through addiction, apathy and a nasty case of ‘Virgo’ – Zaccheus is a 5-time Vancouver Poetry Slam team member w/ over 8 years’ experience work-shopping @ high schools all across Canada, and locally under the umbrella organization WordPlay, Zaccheus’ rapid-fire delivery, gritty street tales, intricate rhyme patterns and social criticism will leave you counting syllables in your sleep. Check www.youtube.com for an array of video performances.

Afternoon Workshop: Steve Duncan-The Mighty Little Chapbook

Join the ranks of literary icons like Mark Twain, Virginia Wolff and Ray Bradbury and learn how you can successfully self-publish your work. This action-packed, hands-on class starts with you actually making your own course text book. Steven will walk you through all the necessary steps for turning your poems into volumes. Plus, this workshop answers the essential questions would-be self-publishers always ask: How much should I sell my books for? Where can I sell them? How many copies should I expect to give away?
A basic knowledge of word processing applications is required for this workshop. Textbook is created! Space is limited.

About Steve Duncan

Steve Duncan is a producer, publicist, free-lance writer, and poet. He was long-time owner of Pink Flamingo Works, a graphic design and small press publishing house in operation for 12 years and specializing in literary chapbooks and promotional material for limited budgets. He combines his varied work experiences with his innate love for all things creative, positive and progressive, and has blazed a unique trail for himself as a Vancouver Arts community builder and a mentor to dozens of artists and small non-profits, specializing in literary-based entertainers, theater companies and festivals. Recently he helped develop a half-hour TV talk show for Shaw Cable called “Via Mia”. www.viamia.net Look him up at www.srduncan.ca or https://sites.google.com/site/stevenrduncanassociates/our-company/our-staff/ceo